Car Buying

Cadillac XT5 vs. XT6: A Comparison

Cadillac SUVs are the epitome of style and luxury. Learn the differences between the Cadillac XT5 and XT6 so you can pick the best one for your lifestyle.

Read time

9 minutes

Date

03.08.2024

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Key takeaways

  • The Cadillac XT5 offers a more compact, two-row seating for five, with higher safety ratings and fuel efficiency, whereas the XT6 provides more space, seating up to seven in a three-row configuration.
  • Price-wise, the XT5 starts lower than the XT6, with the XT6 offering more size and cargo capacity, aligning with its larger dimension and styling that echoes Cadillac's modern aesthetic.
  • Both share similar engines and technologies, but the XT6 has a slight edge in towing capacity and space, making it suitable for larger families or those requiring more cargo room.

Although the Cadillac Escalade is the flagship of the historic luxury brand, the XT5 and XT6 models also compete in their own distinct SUV categories. The Cadillac XT5 brings value to the table as a two-row midsize SUV, while the XT6 adds another row for growing families. Selecting the best Cadillac SUV for you presents a challenge, especially if you’re debating between the XT5 and the XT6. 


What if you could take the Cadillac XT6 and XT5 extended test drives without the typical commitments of car ownership? FINN car subscriptions offer a convenient and affordable solution. Your monthly subscription fee incorporates depreciation, registration, insurance, and maintenance. FINN also lets you choose your terms and delivers your new Cadillac straight to your door. 

What’s the difference between the Cadillac XT5 vs. XT6? 

Need help deciding between the Cadillac XT5 and XT6? Check out the table below for a quick summary of the major differences between these two luxury SUVs:

Cadillac XT5
Cadillac XT6
  • Higher safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA
  • More affordable trim levels 
  • Seats only five passengers across two rows 
  • Higher fuel efficiency ratings 
  • Up to 78.7 cubic feet of cargo space 
  • Seats up to seven passengers across three rows
  • Larger by a few inches all around 
  • Styling mirrors the new brand look 
  • Tows up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped 


Finding the answer to the questions, “Does leasing a car build credit?” or “What do I do if I get into an accident with a leased car?” can present a challenge, but choosing between the Cadillac XT5 and XT6 could make you want to drive both home. With a FINN car subscription, you can test-drive both models for up to two years without the commitment of car ownership. Plus, FINN delivers to your door and bundles everything in a convenient monthly payment. 

Cadillac XT5 vs. XT6 price

The Cadillac XT5 and XT6 are available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims. The 2024 XT5 starts at $43,895, while the 2024 XT6 begins at $48,795. Premium Luxury trims cost $50,195 for the XT5 and $54,995 for the XT6. The Sport trims are $56,795 and $60,295, respectively. 


Visit your local Cadillac dealership to inquire about specials and rebates that may reduce the XT5 and XT6 MSRPs. The Cadillac driving experience also includes the Cadillac XT4, a compact SUV that may better align with what you’re looking for in a crossover. However, it offers less headroom and legroom than the XT5 and XT6 models and lacks a third row.

Cadillac XT5 vs. XT6 size

Despite appearances, the 2024 Cadillac XT5 and XT6 are close in overall measurements. The XT5 has a wheelbase of 112 inches. This smaller SUV is 189.6 inches long and holds up to five passengers in a two-row seating configuration. Without mirrors, the XT5 measures 74.9 inches wide and stands 66.1 inches tall. 


Alternatively, the XT6 has a 112.7-inch wheelbase, with a height of 69.9 inches. This three-row, seven-seater extends 198.5 inches and is 77.3 inches wide without mirrors. All in all, only a few extra inches here and there separate these two luxury SUVs. 

Cadillac XT5 vs. XT6 interior features

Although the Cadillac XT6 is slightly larger than the XT5, it comes with a few more bells and whistles. The 2024 XT5 offers 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with up to 63 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front row. Standard amenities include keyless entry, an in-vehicle ionizer, and a power liftgate. The Premium Luxury trim brings hands-free technology to the liftgate, rain-sensing wipers and a power sunroof. 


The 2024 XT6 offers 43.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second row and up to 78.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats. The power sunroof is standard on base Luxury trims, along with remote start, wireless phone charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium Luxury models add leather, a hands-free power liftgate, a power-folding third row, a heated power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and an in-vehicle ionizer. Sport trims include ventilated front seats, a Driver Mode Selector, and carbon fiber accents throughout. 

Cadillac XT5 vs. XT6 exterior and towing capacity

The 2024 Cadillac XT5 retains some of the same features apparent in the previous SRX model, including angular lines and a thick rear pillar. Indeed, the XT4 bears more resemblance to the XT6 than the XT5. Yet the XT6 carries its weight like the Escalade, with high body lines and a prominent blacked-out grille. 


Despite sharing an engine, the XT6 wins out regarding towing capacity. With up to 4,000 pounds of towing capacity, the XT6 trumps the XT5 by 500 pounds when both are properly equipped. For comparison, the XT4 can also tow 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Cadillac XT5 vs. XT6 engine and fuel economy

The Cadillac XT5 and XT6 share the same nine-speed automatic transmission, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine. The 2.0-liter powerplant makes 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The V6 produces 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Below are the fuel efficiency ratings for the 2024 Cadillac XT5 and XT6: 

Model
2024 Cadillac XT5
2024 Cadillac XT6
Engine
2.0L 4-cylinder
3.6L V6
2.0L 4-cylinder
3.6L V6
FWD
22 city MPG
29 highway MPG
24 combined MPG
19 city MPG
26 highway MPG
21 combined MPG
21 city MPG
27 highway MPG
23 combined MPG
19 city MPG
26 highway MPG
21 combined MPG
AWD
21 city MPG
27 highway MPG
23 combined MPG
18 city MPG
26 highway MPG
21 combined MPG
21 city MPG
26 highway MPG
23 combined MPG
18 city MPG
25 highway MPG
21 combined MPG


The AWD Cadillac XT5, equipped with the smaller 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, achieves the same fuel efficiency as the XT6 in the FWD configuration. The V6 engine in FWD also achieves the same fuel efficiency between both models. However, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the FWD configuration on the 2024 XT5 is the most fuel-efficient model among those listed. 

Cadillac XT5 vs. XT6 technology and safety features

The 2024 Cadillac XT5 and XT6 share similar technological features. The Cadillac User Experience features built-in Wi-Fi and several in-vehicle apps. Amazon’s Alexa is built-in, and occupants can enjoy a Bose premium sound system. These Cadillac SUVsfeature up to 14 speakers on top trims, while the driver handles everything from an eight-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen. 


Cadillac equips the 2024 XT5 and XT6 models with various standard and available safety features, including: 

  • HD Surround Vision

  • Front Pedestrian and Bicycle Braking 

  • Automatic high beams

  • Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking

  • Rear Vision Camera

  • Following Distance Indicator

  • New Speed Limit Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition

  • Blind Zone Steering Assist

  • Reverse Automatic Braking

  • Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning

  • Rear Pedestrian Alert 

  • Second Row Seat Belt Indicator

  • Rear Cross Traffic Braking

  • Adaptive Cruise Control 


The Cadillac XT5 and XT6 scored high marks from the IIHS and NHTSA. The 2024 Cadillac XT5 received “Good” ratings in all crashworthiness tests from the IIHS and five out of five stars for the overall safety rating for FWD and AWD models from the NHTSA. The FWD and AWD models of the 2024 XT6 also received five-star overall safety ratings. However, the 2024 XT6 received “Good” ratings in all categories from the IIHS except the “Moderate overlap front: updated test” and “Side: updated test,” where it scored poorly. 

Who is a Cadillac XT5 for?

The Cadillac XT5 thrives in tight city streets for singles, couples, and those who’ve just added a new branch to their family tree and want to drive with luxury and style. The XT5 is slightly smaller than the XT6 but still has plenty of features to delight passengers and help drivers stay safe and focused on the road ahead. The Cadillac XT5 checks almost every box a midsize luxury SUV should. 

Who is a Cadillac XT6 for?

Growing families and individuals or couples who want more cargo space may resonate more with the Cadillac XT6. This slightly larger midsize SUV takes its cues from the rest of the Cadillac line regarding style and performance. More economical than the Escalade but nearly just as capable, the XT6 competes with larger three-row SUVs across many budgets. Sport trims also bring a sense of off-road capability to the platform. 

Which is better: Cadillac XT5 vs. XT6?

Boiling down the differences between the Cadillac XT5 and XT6 leaves you with only a few details upon which you can base your final decision. Similar engines and features leave you deciding between these two models based on towing capacity, fuel efficiency, and all the minor specifications that can sway you. The XT5 offers just enough luxury without being too much to handle in tighter spaces, while the XT6 allows for more than 10 cubic feet of additional cargo space for long trips, either out of town or to the grocery store. 


If you’ve come to this point and still aren’t sure which midsize Cadillac SUV is right for you, don’t sweat it. FINN car subscriptions have you covered with available terms on both Cadillac XT5s and XT6s. In fact, you can subscribe to a FINN car today and have your new Cadillac delivered to your door so you can begin your next adventure immediately. Luxury awaits with a FINN car subscription. 

XT5 vs XT6
XT5 vs XT6

Which is better: Cadillac XT5 vs. XT6?

Boiling down the differences between the Cadillac XT5 and XT6 leaves you with only a few details upon which you can base your final decision. Similar engines and features leave you deciding between these two models based on towing capacity, fuel efficiency, and all the minor specifications that can sway you. The XT5 offers just enough luxury without being too much to handle in tighter spaces, while the XT6 allows for more than 10 cubic feet of additional cargo space for long trips, either out of town or to the grocery store. 


If you’ve come to this point and still aren’t sure which midsize Cadillac SUV is right for you, don’t sweat it. FINN car subscriptions have you covered with available terms on both Cadillac XT5s and XT6s. In fact, you can subscribe to a FINN car today and have your new Cadillac delivered to your door so you can begin your next adventure immediately. Luxury awaits with a FINN car subscription. 

Cadillac XT5 vs. XT6 FAQs

Trying to figure out how to lower your car payment or the best way to lease a car? FINN can help with those answers, but check out the frequently asked questions below to determine the best pick between the XT5 and XT6. 

Based on industry rumors, it seems the Cadillac XT5 is here to stay. The XT5 competes in the midsize luxury SUV segment, which is a hot arena at the moment. 

The Cadillac XT6 compares to the BMW X5, the Audi Q7, Buick’s Enclave, the Lincoln Aviator, and the Hyundai Palisade. Other competitors include the Acura MDX, Volvo XC90, Lexus RX, Porsche Cayenne, Land Rover Defender, Kia Telluride, and INFINITI QX80. 

The 2024 Cadillac XT6 has more cargo space than the 2024 XT5. The XT5 only seats five and has up to 63 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats. Alternatively, the XT6 seats up to seven passengers and offers up to 78.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front row. 

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